City Weekly’s 16th annual celebration of all things SLC

You might already know some bands from Utah. We’ve got major pop acts like Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons and electric violinist/Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsey Stirling. Joining them soon could be pop-rockers The Aces and electro-pop duo Strange Familia. There’s also plenty of nationally known metal and punk groups, with experimental doom duo Eagle Twin, violin-propelled doom act SubRosa, power metal quintet Visigoth, and screamo giants The Used—whose original drummer Branden Steineckert has been drumming for Rancid for more than a decade. Well, the Salt Lake City scene is much bigger than that, so each year we like to help our out-of-town guests get hip to the best of the rest.

Jeremy Devine

’90s Television
90stelevision.bandcamp.com
Above all, bands need great songs. But there’s something to be said for presentation. True to their name, ’90s Television often dresses their stages in plush dolls, plastic action figures and other graven images that honor ’90s nostalgia. Musically, though, they’re not beholden to any particular decade. Their poppy, lo-fi psych-pop tunes draw from The Beatles, Spacemen 3, The Beach Boys, The Clash and ELO—which made them a splendid support act for Kurt Vile’s Twilight Concert Series appearance last summer. Where to catch them: The Urban Lounge, Diabolical Records, Kilby Court.

Annette Baca

Blackkiss
blackkissdrifters.com
Pete Sands grew up on a Navajo reservation and wound up inspired by his grandmother’s record collection, which encompassed the likes of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn and Frank Sinatra. His songs dwell on the dark side of country, with a dusty, gloomy mystery of Jim Jarmusch’s black-and-white postmodern western, Dead Man. Just the same, Sands possesses the keen observational eye and sensitivity essential to any singer-songwriter, regardless of genre. Where to catch him: When he’s not touring or playing Yelawolf’s Slumfest, Sands gigs locally at The State Room and The Acoustic Space.

Randy Harward

D’Molls
facebook.com/therealdmolls/
While they never achieved the same level of success as their peers on the Sunset Strip, D’Molls still put out two critically acclaimed albums on Atlantic Records and maintain a loyal cult following. And now that singer-guitarist Desi Rexx has relocated to Utah and teamed up with bassist/producer Jonni Lightfoot (Air Supply, Skit Skat), we can call ’em local! You can catch them headlining club bills or opening bigger shows for friends like Skid Row and Enuff Z’nuff when they roll through SLC. Where to catch them: Liquid Joe’s, larger venues.

Karena Angell

Kapix
facebook.com/kapix801
Do you like stompin’ guitar-rock in the vein of Motörhead and AC/DC? If so, you’ll dig Prom Queen, the new EP by this power trio co-fronted by 6-foot-2 Olympic snowboarder Hagen Kearney. It’s anthem after anthem of fist-pumping rock ’n’ roll with meaty riffs, luscious licks and pounding rhythm—perfect for highway driving, competitive drinking, extreme sports and no-regrets hearing loss. And also sweaty, shoulder-to-shoulder club shows. Where to catch them: The Urban Lounge, The Royal.

Alonzo Manzano

Leyenda Oculta
reverbnation.com/leyendaoculta4
Rock ‘n’ roll sounds more badass en Español. Think about it: When Los Lobos fires up their amps, it’s powerful. And how about Tito and Tarantula, the band in From Dusk Till Dawn? Even without the vampire stuff, those cucarachas enojadas sound mean as hell. Leyenda Oculta, which means “hidden legend,” is one of SLC’s best kept secrets. Their self-titled album is packed with electrifying, blues-based rockers like “El Rey,” “Viva El Rock ’n’ Roll” and “Pagarán.” But they’re only part of a burgeoning rock en Español scene, along with other great bands like La Calavera, De Despedida, Call Musor and Cenizas Ajenas—all of them likely to be on the same bills as Leyenda. Where to catch them: Liquid Joe’s, The Complex, Mexican Civic Center.

Donie Bonnelli

Rhyme Time
rhymetime.bandcamp.com
At one time Scott Knopf went by the handle Atheist as a member of local hip-hop group House of Lewis—you might recall them from the 11th season of America’s Got Talent. Knopf still works with those guys, but when he’s solo, he’s Rhyme Time. His agile, geeky, playful rhymes are immediately endearing, especially when layered over beats that reach into other genres for inspiration. You might’ve heard his happy, bumpin’ track “Rocking to Brock (feat. UniqueSyntax) on ESPN or the Central Coast Disc Golf channel on YouTube. While you’re tubing, check out Knopf’s variety show, Rhyme Time Television. Where to catch him: The Urban Lounge, Metro Music Hall.

Josh Scheuerman

Starmy
starmy.bandcamp.com
Although frontguy Mike Sartain talks about packin’ it in after more than two decades, he doesn’t. That’s good, too, because he’s a go-to source for cathartic, introspective songs that just plain rock. You know that great feeling when you’re standing front-and-center, and your feet hurt from standing all night but you don’t really mind because your nerves are dull from all that beer and the songs—total rockers, along with a few slower tracks—are really speaking to you, answering life’s hard questions? Happens at every Starmy show. Where to catch them: Lately, they tend to stick to The Urban Lounge.

Jenn Neilson

Tony Holiday & the Velvetones
facebook.com/tonyholidaymusic
Blues fans—you’ll be pleased to know we have a vibrant blues scene with acts of some national renown. Tony Holiday’s excellent songs, fiery harp playing and gritty resonant vocals, and the Velvetones’ ace chops have earned them quite a reputation on the blues circuit. Holiday’s new album Tony Holiday’s Porch Sessions even features guest appearances by a litany of blues greats including Charlie Musselwhite and John Németh. Live, this big band is a force. Where to catch them: The State Room, Garage On Beck, Lake Effect.

Lex B. Anderson

Troubadour 77
troubadour77.com
Monty Powell and Anna Wilson have written songs for the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus (“Could’ve Been Me”), Tim McGraw (“One of These Days”) and Keith Urban (“Days Go By”)—to the tune of 70 million units sold. They left Nashville behind to come here and form this band, a vehicle for their ’70s Laurel Canyon country-rock tunes. Do yourself a favor and see if they’re playing while you’re in town. If not, at least pick up their stellar debut album, Selma Avenue. It’s named for the L.A. street that was home to Criterion Music Corp., the studio where artists like Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt tracked some of their biggest albums. Where to catch them: Snowbasin, Peery’s Egyptian Theater, The Royal.

Rob Gilbert

Winter Grain
wintergrain.com
One listen to their eponymous EP—tracked with Ryan Hadlock (Brandi Carlile, Foo Fighters) at Bear Creek Studios in Seattle—and you’ll be head over heels for this co-ed folk-rock band led by real-life couple Kate Anderson and Secily Saunders. It’s a stunning set of well-honed tunes propelled by sublime vocal harmonies and Anderson’s candid, keen lyrics. Live, they range from four- to nine-member configurations, adding extra vocalists, cello and drums. But no matter the arrangement, you’ll be floored by the songs. Where to catch them: The Urban Lounge, Pale Horse Sound.

Enrique Limón

Randy's Records

On the RecordsWhere to go when you wanna stack wax like paper.

By Randy Harward

When you’ve dug through every crate in every record store in your hometown, a new city with a new batch of record stores is something like a Wonka-esque fantasy wrapped in a wet dream. Welcome to Salt Lake City, where contrary to popular belief and flyover jokes, we have record stores that sell more than releases by The Osmonds, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and David Archuleta. To paraphrase the president: That would be sad. We know music! We have the best music! And here’s where to find some.

Staff: Most of the time, your host will be mellow, soft-spoken Timo. If not, you’re probably talkin’ to Cesar Reyes, who’s also pretty cool (so’s his band, Super 78).

Tip: “Ephemera” should be your first clue that the stuff Timo stocks is, shall we say, special. Don’t expect much in the way of vanilla. Also, look for occasional in-store performances by acts that you’ve never heard of (a good thing).

Diabolical Records
238 S. Edison, 801-792-9204
facebook.com/diabolicalslc
Est.: 2013Look Here For: What the kids are into. The cool ones. Not the ones who listen to Lil Yachty. Also, Diabolical has the best local music selection in town.

Beyond the Music: Free zines and sometimes even cassettes and CDs—and very cool Diabolical T-shirts.

Staff: Adam Tye and Alana Boscan met at a party and bonded over their mutual music-nerdiness. Now married, they run one of the coolest record shops in town, with an interior resembling a small suburban home—where the kids really make a racket.

Tip: Diabolical hosts shows by local and national acts whenever possible—always at 8 p.m. and always for only a $5 suggested donation. Follow them on Facebook for details.

Beyond the Music: You’ve probably seen your favorite band member sporting a THMS shirt or hoodie in magazines or onstage. They also have hats, fannypacks, stickers and pins.

Staff: Kevin Kirk is the man. He’s been “peddlin’ evil since 1987” but can talk about all kinds of music. He also has the respect of the metal elite—and pictures to prove it. He’s friends with muthahuggin’ Slayer.

Tip: Seriously. The shirts and hoodies are iconic. Visiting here without buying one is like going to Baskin-Robbins and leaving without ice cream. Also, THMS hosts some of the best in-store performances (Dwarves, Michael Dean Damron).

Beyond the Music: The Taylorsville location is like a locally owned F.Y.E., with DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, toys and books. Horror fans will dig the selection, curated by in-house horror buffs.Staff: The co-ed staff skews younger at Graywhale, but most of ’em—like Darby Johnson—are friendly and know their stuff. Don’t worry, fellow geezers. There’s always at least one O.G. (old guy) like store director Brandon Anderson around to help us locate our moldy oldies.

Tip: You can search Graywhale’s massive inventory—everything, at every location—on their website. You can also buy concert tickets here. The university store specializes in blues, jazz and world music.

Randy’s Record Shop
157 E. 900 South, 801-532-4413
randysrecords.com
Est.: 1978Look Here For: What you can’t find. With 40 years of experience under his belt, if Randy doesn’t have it, he’ll find it.

Beyond the Music: Although you might see some DVDs and Blu-rays, it’s really all about music here.

Staff: Randy Stinson spends most of the day in the back room, but his son Sam (known around town as DJ Feral Cat) and local musician Jeremy Devine (The Nods, ’90s Television) will happily help wax addicts find a fix.

Tip: Check the wall behind the counter for sick rarities. Also, every couple of months Randy commandeers the back room of the flower shop across the street for a weekend-long $2 vinyl sale, offering literally thousands of LPs, CDs, cassettes and DVDs.

Staff: Brad Collins and his best girl/partner Dorthy Burns personify the mom-and-pop, brick-and-mortar record stores we all love to support. You might say they have a Mutt and Jeff thing going on, with Brad pretending to be surly and Dorthy being a total sweetheart.

Tip: The American Sign Language hand symbols on the Raunch stickers don’t spell the store’s name. And the Raunch T-shirts are designed by well-known skateboard artists like Pushead (Metallica).

Sound & Vision Vinyl
3444 S. Main, 385-229-4165
soundandvisionvinyl.com
Est.: 2015 Look Here For: Vinyl—from new releases to reissues to used, as well as some choice imports and live recordings like—a Led Zeppelin show in SLC from 1973.

Beyond the Music: S&V has rare collectibles and memorabilia, as well as sweet cigar box guitars made with pop culture lunchboxes.

Staff: Maccarrone is a lifelong music-pusher from Brooklyn who was there during punk’s 1977 dawn. He hung out the legendary venue Max’s Kansas City, and he knows everybody. He also fronted the New York hardcore band Dead Virgins, whose rare recordings go for a cool 100 bucks—or more—on eBay. If you can find them.

Tip: You won’t find many CDs here, but the ones you do see likely came from Mike’s personal collection, which is
comprehensive.

Enrique Limón

FestivaliaThe ultimate guide to music festivals in SLC and beyond.

By Randy Harward

So your significant other just had to visit their family instead of heading to Bonnaroo or Coachella. We get it. Lucky for you, the number of music festivals in Utah multiplies like Mormon families and/or rabbits. There’s bound to be one happening when you visit. But as it’s a little early in the year to compile a list like this, bear in mind that many of these festivals are still in the planning stages—details are based on 2017 information and are subject to change.

Blues, Brews & BBQ
snowbasin.com/the-mountain/entertainment/blues-brews-bbq
This free concert series offers big bills with local and national acts—not just blues, but funk, soul, country and rock—as well as the titular taste treats. When: Sundays from June through SeptemberWhere: Snowbasin Resort (Huntsville)Price: Free admissionAge restriction: None

Utah Blues Festival
utahbluesfest.org
A perennial favorite featuring blues luminaries and local acts, as well as workshops.When: Mid-JuneWhere: Usually at the Gallivan Center.Price: VariesAge restriction: None

Twilight Concert Series
twilightconcerts.com
Affordable and well-curated series featuring big-name indie rock and hip-hop acts with support from marquee locals.When: Thursdays from July through early SeptemberWhere: Gallivan Center (SLC)Price: $10Age restriction: None

Troubadour Fest
troubadour77.com
Inaugural festival organized by country-rockers Troubadour 77 and Live Nation focuses on singer-songwriters, including the original authors of tunes made famous by other artists.When: Aug. 3-4Where: Snowbasin ResortPrice: TBDAge restriction: None

You don’t need this guide to find good live music venues in Salt Lake City. The place is silly with them now. We have the underground rooms only cool people are supposed to know about, the all-ages sheds, dives, hipster bars, saloons, outdoor venues, theaters, arenas—everything. All you gotta do to find one is put your ear to the ground and feel the bass. Or keep reading.

A Bar Named Sue on State
8136 S. State, Midvale
801-566-3222
Cash is king at these themed neighborhood bars, where you can enjoy live music (old-school country, rock ’n’ roll), DJs, karaoke and free beer pong—with cash prizes.

Alleged
facebook.com/alleged25th
201 25th St., Ogden
801-990-0692
A former brothel, Alleged is a modern lounge booking occasional live local and regional bands. No “dates,” though.

Area 51
area51slc.com
451 S. 400 West, SLC
801-534-0819
This is SLC’s goth-industrial mecca, but you’ll also catch metal and punk bands here, and enjoy two different types of ’80s nights presided over by top local DJs.

The Avant Groove
avantgroove.com
122 W. Pierpont Ave., SLC
801-953-0433
This new venue bills itself as a jazz club and martini bar, but you’ll hear some blues grooves, too.

Bar-X/Beer Bar
beerbarslc.com
155 E. 200 South, SLC
801-355-2287
385-259-0905
Modern Family’s Ty Burrell co-owns these companion establishments—the only place in town to catch legendary local band The Rubes (albeit doing mostly rock, R&B and country covers from the ’50s and s’60s) on the fourth Sunday of the month.

Barbary Coast Saloon
facebook.com/barbary-coast-saloon
4242 S. State, Murray
801-265-9889
Biker bars have some great music—
everything from country to blues to rock, and it’s no different here.

The Bayou
utahbayou.com
645 S. State, SLC
801-961-8400
On Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy live
local jazz at this popular Cajun restaurant and beer emporium.

The Beehive
beehivecollectiveslc.com/the-beehive
666 S. State, SLC
385-645-3116
An all-ages, inclusive venue located at the Devil’s coordinate, the Beehive specializes in local music but is open to any event.

Black Lion
facebook.com/blacklionevents
9854 S. 700 East, Sandy
801-495-9699
You can rent the Black Lion for your own concert—or simply check out one of their sporadic multi-band events.

Bourbon House
bourbonhouseslc.com
19 E. 200 South, SLC
801-746-1005
The name alone will get you in the door, but you’ll stay for the local jazz jam as well as funk, soul and DJ acts.

Copper Common
facebook.com/coppercommon
111 E. 300 South, Ste. 190
801-355-0543
A fine pub/restaurant, Copper Common hosts the occasional live music event—and a popular concert series—curated by local musician/radio personality Bad Brad Wheeler—during the Sundance Film Festival in late January.

Dejoria Center
dejoriacenter.com
970 Utah-32, Kamas
435-783-3113
At this rustic special events center in the Uinta mountains, enjoy the likes of country singer LeAnn Rimes, hair metal band Slaughter and country gents the Bar J Wranglers.

Donkey Tails Cantina
guadalahonkys.com/donkey_tails.html
136 E. 12300 South, Draper
801-571-8134
If you learned anything from Star Wars, it’s that Han shot first and cantinas have cool music—and there’s nothin’ like a massive combo platter while you enjoy some live tunes.

Eccles Center
ecclescenter.org
1750 Kearns Blvd., Park City
435-655-3114
Now in its 20th season, the Eccles Center hosts a wide array of music events throughout the year from blues to jazz to folk to rock and even orchestral performances.

Elevate
elevatenightlifeslc.com
149 W. 200 South, SLC
801-478-4310
Dance music reigns at this popular downtown joint, which books local,
national and international DJs and bands.

Even Stevens
evenstevens.com, multiple locations
The Utah-based philanthropic sandwich shop chain books live local music and stages the Givestock Festival—featuring local and national acts—every summer.

Feldman’s Deli
feldmansdeli.com
2005 E. 2700 South, SLC
801-906-0369
The city’s only Jewish deli has live local music several days a week, including owner Michael “Deli Man” Feldman playing blues and folk.

Flanagan’s On Main
flanagansonmain.com
438 Main, Park City
435-649-8600
On the weekends, Flanagan’s offers live music—both covers and originals by local artists, plus DJ sets.

Funk ’N Dive Bar
funkanddive.com
2550 Washington Blvd., Ogden
801-621-3483
There’s some great music up in O-town, and you’ll find a lot of it here—rock, blues, hip-hop, DJs and even old-timey jazz.

The Gallivan Center
thegallivancenter.com
239 S. Main, SLC
801-535-6110
This downtown outdoor mini-amphitheater once hosted large local festivals and major touring acts (Gov’t Mule, The Black Keys), but it’s now known for scheduling local jazz, blues, soul and singer-songwriters.

Garage On Beck
garageonbeck.com
1199 Beck St., North Salt Lake
801-521-3904
An actual roadhouse with a breathtaking view of an oil refinery, The Garage books all the best roots music—blues, rockabilly, swing, country, folk and even some surf and (wait for it) garage rock!

Gracie’s
graciesslc.com
326 S. West Temple, SLC
801-819-7565
Classy Gracie’s doesn’t seem like a live music venue—but they bring us rockabilly, blues, folk, DJs and a weekly jazz and bluegrass jams with David Halliday and the Jazz Vespers Quartet and Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, respectively.

The Great Saltair
thesaltair.com
12408 W. Saltair Drive, Magna
801-250-6205
Although the original castle-like edifice burned down long ago, the new building has hosted many major rock acts from Dio to Simple Minds to The Cult and The Flaming Lips, as well as huge EDM shows.

The Green Pig Pub
thegreenpigpub.com
31 E. 400 South, SLC
801-532-7441
The name just squeals blues, and you’ll find it here—along with the occasional rock or jam band.

The Hog Wallow Pub
thehogwallow.com
3200 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Cottonwood Heights
801-733-5567
Live music and good eats are what’s up at this cool little venue at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, which books blues, folk, funk, jam and rock.

In The Venue/Club Sound
inthevenueslc.com
219 S. 600 West, SLC
801-359-3219
Two venues in one—ITV is the big all-ages room with a retractable roof, Club Sound is the smaller 21-plus place, and everyone from violin virtuoso Lindsey Stirling to punk rockers band religion to outsider singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston have performed here.

Infinity Event Center
infinityeventcenter.com
26 E. 600 South, SLC
385-242-7488
Booking mainly one-off shows by outside promoters, this is the only place in town where you can see Mexican arena rockers like Cuca, who are like the Rolling Stones and Mötley Crüe back in their home country.

Johnny’s On Second
johnnysonsecond.com
165 E. 200 South, SLC
801-746-3334
At Johnny’s, the music is fairly varied with DJs and local bands flying the flag for alt-country, blues, rockabilly, funk and folk.

Keys On Main
keysonmain.com
242 S. Main, SLC
801-363-3638
As the name implies, this is a piano bar where you’ll find ivory ticklers going Steinway-to-Steinway performing songs you choose—until somebody else pays them to stop.

Kilby Court
kilbycourt.com
741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), SLC
801-364-3538
Salt Lake’s best all-ages venue is also one of the most unique. “Kilby,” as we call it, is where we go to get sweaty while watching buzz bands play a cramped little garage, or sit outside like we’re too cool for school.

Kingsbury Hall
kingsburyhall.utah.edu
1395 E. President’s Circle, SLC
801-581-7100
The University of Utah’s posh venue has hosted some incredible performances from the likes of the Violent Femmes, Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello. It sounds as good as it looks, too.

Metro Music Hall
metromusichall.com
615 W. 100 South, SLC
385-528-0952
At first, the Metro was pretty metal. Now they book everything, and you should check out the monthly event Hip-Hop Roots, showcasing hot local MCs, b-boys and graffiti writers.

The Moose Lounge
facebook.com/themooseloungeslc
180 W. 400 South, SLC
801-900-7499
A lounge and dance club with a dress code, the Moose books touring hip-hop acts and has a rockin’ gay night (Revolution Fridays).

O.P. Rockwell
oprockwell.com
268 Main, Park City
435-565-4486
This joint books great bands like The Mother Hips and Andy Frasco & the U.N. while also knowing the value of an all-female AC/DC tribute act like Hell’s Belles.

Outlaw Saloon
outlawsaloon.com
1254 W. 2100 South, Ogden
801-334-9260
On Friday and Saturday nights, you can find some of Utah’s best country music acts—and even the occasional touring twanger.

Park City Live
parkcitylive.net
427 Main, Park City
435-649-9123
Formerly known as Harry O’s, this theater brings in some great shows by jam bands (Galactic), electronic acts (Major Lazer) and singer-songwriters (Martin Sexton).

Pat’s BBQ
patsbbq.com
155 W. Commonwealth Ave., SLC
801-590-3090
If you like good BBQ, this is the place to go—and if you go on the weekend, you’ll hear some good local tunes, too.

Peppermill Concert Hall
wendoverfun.com/shows
680 Wendover Blvd., Wendover
800-217-0049
The locals love to escape to their own version of Sin City, where they can gamble and drink and catch concerts by Night Ranger, The Temptations and Engelbert Humperdinck.

Piper Down Pub
piperdownpub.com
1492 S. State, SLC
801-468-1492
Salt Lake’s most popular Irish pub books live music several times a month. Some local, some national—and anything from the expected Celtic sounds to blues, folk, rockabilly and sometimes punk.

Prohibition
prohibitionutah.com
151 E. 6100 South, Murray
801-281-4852
True to its namesake era, this time-warp of a bar hosts jazz, swing and blues from the ’20s and ’30s. On Wednesdays, they offer free swing dancing lessons with a live band.

Josh Scheuerman

Drive By Truckers at Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden
redbuttegarden.org
300 Wakara Way, SLC
801-585-0556
Every summer we look forward to this arboretum’s annual outdoor concert series, which attracts more and bigger shows every year, and allows us to bring coolers crammed with grub ’n’ booze.

The Red Door
thereddoorslc.com
57 W. 200 South
801-363-6030
A martini bar/wine lounge, you’ll find DJs on Thursdays and Fridays and a live band on Saturdays.

The Royal
theroyalslc.com
4760 S. 900 East, SLC
801-590-9940
Any given day, you can find anything from folk to reggae at this live music cathedral.

The Ruin
ruinslc.com
1215 E. Wilmington, SLC
801-869-3730
This cool little joint is calm on the weekdays, but it gets loud on the weekends with live local bands and DJs.

Rye
facebook.com/ryeslc
239 S. 500 East, SLC
801-364-4655
Adjacent to The Urban Lounge and owned by the same people, Rye is a breakfast/lunch restaurant, but started hosting occasional concerts by local and touring acts last year.

Sandy Amphitheater
sandyamp.com
1245 E. 9400 South, Sandy
801-568-6097
It abuts a park and a residential area, and is near a hospital. That may be why the shows here—the Lost ’80s Tour, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Weird Al, Doobie Brothers—seem so quiet.

The Spur Bar & Grill
thespurbarandgrill.com
352 Main, Park City
435-615-1618
There is something for everyone on the Spur’s stage: cover bands, original local music and dueling pianos.

Josh Scheuerman

Vintage at the State Room

The State Room
thestateroom.com
638 S. State, SLC
800-596-3560
Real music lovers will adore this theater where you can watch the likes of Todd Snider, Junior Brown or Los Lobos from the floor or from church pews and theater seats, arranged stadium-style, while enjoying a stiff drink.

Sugar House Coffee
sugarhousecoffee.com
2011 S. 1100 East, SLC
801-883-8867
You’ll find local jazz and Irish music, and an open-mic opp at this popular coffeehouse. Jazz jam on Thursdays.

Sugar House Farmers Market
sugarhousefarmersmarket.org
1040 E. Sugarmont Drive, SLC
Live local music every Wednesday evening from July through September in a lush neighborhood park.

Sugar Space Arts Warehouse
facebook.com/sugarspaceslc
132 S. 800 West, SLC
385-202-5504
Music is just one of the arts supported by Sugar Space, which books local acts here and there.

The Tavernacle
tavernacle.com
201 E. 300 South, SLC
801-519-8900
Here’s another dueling pianos bar—where it gets pretty wild as two pianists play covers for money and the highest bidder wins.

Touché Tavern
touchetavern.com
3350 S. State, SLC
801-290-2531
It’s hard to see where any band could set up in this tiny but kinda classy dive—but that makes the shows (solo acoustic to full-band) more intimate.

Twilite Lounge
twilitelounge.com
347 E. 200 South, SLC
801-532-9400
You know your favorite neighborhood dive back home? This is ours. Stop by “The Twi” on Wednesdays and see Jazz Jaguars, a trio of local rockers performing lounge versions of their louder stuff.

Twist
twistslc.com
32 Exchange Place, SLC
801-322-3200
A very cool room with eclectic offerings including residencies by top local DJs, acoustic sets by local singer-songwriters, and even some funk.

The Underground
facebook.com/the-underground
833 S. Main, SLC
There’s a reason it’s called the Underground—this is where you’ll see fringe acts, whether it’s local punks or a touring one-man-band with a B-flick aesthetic.

The Union Event Center
theunioneventcenter.com
235 N. 500 West, SLC
385-831-7770
Recently partnered with AEG Presents, this is the place to catch up-and-coming and established touring acts.

Josh Scheuerman

Alex Cameron at The Urban Lounge

The Urban Lounge
theurbanloungeslc.com
241 S. 500 East, SLC
801-746-0557
“The Urban” reigns supreme in the local music scene, booking mid-to-big names in a room that sounds great, but seems far too small for the talent—which we love, especially when the booker pairs them up with the crème de la local crème.

Velour
velourlive.com
135 N. University Ave., Provo
801-818-2263
This is the other all-ages venue in Provo championing local musicians, perhaps the alpha of the two. Corey Fox created something special with Velour, which birthed Neon Trees.

Vivint Smart Home Arena
vivintarena.com
301 W. South Temple
801-325-7528
When the Utah Jazz aren’t around, and it’s too cold for Usana, this is where they book the really big shows.

The Westerner
westernerslc.com
3360 S. Redwood Road,
West Valley City
801-972-5447
There aren’t too many places that specialize in country music—maybe because the Westerner whoops all comers, with a massive dance floor and every local country act beatin’ down its doors.

Willie’s Lounge
willieslounge.com
1716 S. Main, SLC
760-828-7351
Find trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke Fridays and Sundays and live music most every other night.

The Yes Hell
facebook.com/theyeshell
2426 Grant Ave., Ogden
Owned and operated by obscenely talented local singer-songwriter Sam Smith (not that Sam Smith), this is a promising new venue with a well-curated slate of talent.

Zest Kitchen & Bar
zestslc.com
275 S. 200 West, SLC
801-433-0589
Gourmet healthy organic vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free grub, craft cocktails and live DJs? This is the place to go to expand the horizons of your oral and aural palettes with food and music you’ve never experienced before.

Our annual celebration of all things fun In the sun is here!

City Weekly’s 17th annual celebration of all things SLC

A time when recipes weren’t looked up but passed down, manners were minded and the comfort of a home-cooked meal or a treat lovingly made by Grandma were met with an ear-to-ear grin, not the click of a cell phone camera.